Communication is a fundamental human need. Effective communication occurs when the sender encodes a message, delivers it to the receiver, and the receiver decodes it and provides feedback. However, misunderstandings can arise if the message isn’t clear or understandable.
We all strive to share information effectively, but miscommunication often happens. Why? Because we may not realize what confused the person in front of us or what went wrong that led to an undesired outcome. Understanding these pitfalls is key to improving our communication skills and ensuring our messages are received as intended.
These all issues can be solved if we include basic communication principles that is 7cs of communication.
WHAT ARE 7C’S COMMUNICATION?
The 7cs are: clarity, completeness, conciseness, consideration, correctness, concreteness courtesy.
The 7cs of communication are principles designed to enhance the effectiveness of both oral and written communication. These principles were first introduced in the 1952 book “Effective Public Relations” by Scott Cutlip and Allen Center.
Clarity
An effective communication must be clear about what he wants to say, the purpose of communication should be very much clear to communicator.
Features of clarity communication are:-
- To make understanding easier.
- Complete clarity of thoughts and ideas enhance the meaning of messages.
EXAMPLE-
- Unclear: “We need to improve our processes.”
- Clear: “We need to reduce the time it takes to process customer orders by implementing a new software system.”
Completeness
The communication must be complete. It should convey all facts required by audience. The subject matter to be communicate must be educate and full.
Features of completeness communication are: –
- Complete communication develops and enhance reputation of an organisation.
- They are cost saving as no crucial information is missing at no additional cost is incurred in conveying extra message if the communication is complete.
EXAMPLE-
- Incomplete: “Please send the report.”
- Complete: “Please send the financial report for Q2 by 5 PM today to include it in the board meeting presentation.”
Conciseness
Conciseness means wordiness means what you convey in least possible way. The receiver of the communication is not impressed by the length of the message.
Features of conciseness communication are: –
- It is both time saving and cost saving.
- It provides short and essential messages in limited word to the audience.
- Conciseness is not repetitive in nature.
EXAMPLE-
- Wordy: “Due to the fact that we are experiencing a high volume of orders, we are unable to process your request at this point in time.”
- Concise: “We are experiencing a high volume of orders and cannot process your request right now.”
Consideration
In order to communicate effectively the sender should think and look from the receiver angle ensure that self-respect of the audience is maintained, and their emotions are not at harm. Modify your words in message to suit the audience need while making message complete.
Features of consideration communication are: –
- Emphasize on “you” approach.
- Empathize with audience and exhibit interest in the audience.
EXAMPLE-
- Inconsiderate: “You didn’t follow the instructions.”
- Considerate: “I noticed there might have been some confusion with the instructions. Let’s review them together to ensure everything is clear.”
Correctness
For effective communication the sender should not transmit any message unless he or she is dure for its correctness. Theres should be no grammatical error in communication.
EXAMPLE-
- Incorrect: “Their going to the meeting at 3 PM.”
- Correct: “They’re going to the meeting at 3 PM.”
Concreteness
Avoid fuzzy and jumble statements in concrete communication sender conveyed to the point or factual message.
Features of concreteness communication are: –
- It is supported with specific facts and figure.
- It makes use of word that are clear and that build reputation.
EXAMPLE-
- Abstract: “We had a good quarter.”
- Concrete: “Our sales increased by 20% in the last quarter, resulting in a revenue of $2 million.”
Courtesy
Courtesy means a friendly and helpful behaviour towards other the message of the sender should be polite and reflected.
Features of courtesy communication are: –
- Courtesy implies taking into consideration both view points as well as feeling of the receiver of the message.
- It is not at all biased.
- It makes use of tongue showing respect to receiver of the message.
EXAMPLE-
- Discourteous: “You didn’t do this right.”
- Courteous: “Thank you for your effort. Let’s go over this together to make sure everything is correct.”
Importance of the 7 Cs
The 7cs are crucial because poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even financial losses. Effective communication is essential in various settings, including workplaces, healthcare, and personal relationships. For instance, in healthcare, poor communication can lead to life-threatening situations, while in workplaces, it can result in project failures and financial losses.
Application of the 7 Cs
These principles can be applied to various forms of communication, such as emails, reports, presentations, and everyday conversations. By following the 7cs, you can improve your ability to convey your message clearly and effectively, thereby enhancing your interactions and relationships.
